Woolsey Fire burn area residents prepare for rain

(FOX 11) - At local fire stations across the region, sandbag filling stations were active ahead of storm system marching toward Southern California.

Debbie Gomez and Dennis Phipps got a workout filling sandbags at the Fire Station 89 in Agoura Hills.

"We're preparing for the rain," said Gomez, as she and Phipps loaded dozens of bags into their truck.

"Everything behind us got burned up" Phipps added, "so we're a little concerned about mudflows and stuff."

The Woolsey Fire only skirted their home thanks to firefighters and helicopter water drops, the same firefighters standing by ahead of this low-pressure storm.

"We have resources in the area, ready to go, ready to assist residents," said Pono Barnes, a public information officers with the LA County Fire Department.

The hills in the Woolsey, Hill, and even the Thomas fire areas could give way because of the rain. Residents are lining their homes with sandbags for protection. Many of those homes sit right next to dangerous debris left behind by the fires.

"We recommend you install some kind of erosion control, whether it be sandbags along your home or along those hillsides," said Barnes. "If you have even steeper hillsides adjacent to your home, use plastic sheeting to get that water out and away."

On the coastline, giant waves from the storm summoned surfers.

"There's always that [danger], in the back of your head," said Tanner Clapsaddle after getting out of the water at Suffer's Knoll in Ventura.

Waves were expected to reach at least shoulder height by Wednesday.

Officials say to check with local fire stations for free sandbags.

In LA County, you can use this website to find them for free: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/.